cj gardner johnson
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CJ Gardner-Johnson.
The Baltimore Ravens have the worst defense in the NFL by most metrics. They also have one of the most injured defenses in the NFL. Theteam is currently without defensive linemen Nnamdi Madubuike, linebacker Roquan Smith, and cornerback Marlon Humphrey,who returned to practice in a limited fashion.
The Ravens are searching for answers, andthey’re hoping one of them will be Super Bowl Champion safety CJ Gardner-Johnson. Johnson was most recently with the Houston Texans, who traded for him from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason.
Only a few weeks into the season, however, Johnson was released and had to wait a few more weeks to eventually be signed by Baltimore. Johnson ending up with the Ravens might not have just been his first choice, but his only choice.
Johnson’s Houston ExitWasn’t Ideal
CJ Gardner-Johnson had an unceremonious exit from the Texans. Johnsonwas called out for freelancing on several plays that ended up costing Houston games, and the always antagonistic Johnson reportedly was a nuisance in the locker room as well.
Aaron Wilson ofClick2Houston wrote in his September 23 article about some of the issues that Johns was facing in Houston.
“Among the issues that arose with Gardner-Johnson, per sources: criticism of teammates in the secondary, including the size of oneplayer’s contract, complaints about his role, including a desire to blitz more frequently, and a trade request along with him making frequent comparisons to what hewas accustomed to with the PhiladelphiaEagles’ Super Bowl championship squad.”
Johnson did not endear himself to his teammates or coaches, as became evident in head coach DemecoRyan’s comments after his departure.
“It’s my decision to move on. I knowwhat’s best for myteam,”Ryans said. “I’m not going to go into all the details of it. It was coming from me, the head coach.It’s myteam. It was the best for ourteam, andthat’s why I made the decision. So,I’m not goingin any further details on it.”
Johnson’s reputation left him with dwindling options in the season.
JohnsonWas Only Called by the Ravens
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson burned his bridge with the Texans. The antics of Johnson have become a part of the package in every organizationhe’s played for. Johnsondidn’t have many NFL teams calling his phone, something Johnson freely admitted.
Sam Jane of The Baltimore Suntweeted that Johnson told him why he joined the Ravens.
“Chauncey Gardner-Johnson told me he signed with the Ravens because it was his ‘only option,’” Jane said.
Johnson, however, is grateful for the opportunity and is already attempting to build chemistry with his new teammates.
“One note:Gardner-Johnson’s been very active in the locker room talking with teammates,”Jane said. “Seems to be making a good firstimpressions.”
Johnson will attempt to bring a new attitude to a Ravens defense that has been a disaster to start the year. Johnson has a precedent of being a key piece in a defensiveunit’s turnaround. In 2023, the Eagles went from allowing the seventh most yards in the NFL to allowing the fewest yards in 2024, when Johnson returned to the team that season, on their way to a Super Bowl victory.
The Ravens may not be looking ahead that far, but they are hopeful Johnson can be a positive addition to a defense that has struggled mightily.